Tire Size Box

195/55R16 vs 215/55R16

215/55R16 compared with 195/55R16

+3.5% diameter, +0.8" width

215/55R16 is 25.31" tall vs 24.44". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.4"16" rim4.2"7.7" wide
195/55R16 (solid) compared with 215/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.1 mph

215/55R16 is +0.87 inches (+3.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/55R16215/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.44"25.31"+0.87"+3.5%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height4.22"4.66"+0.43"+10.3%
Circumference76.80"79.52"+2.72"+3.5%
Revolutions per mile825.0796.8−28.2−3.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/55R16 and you fit 215/55R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.8 mph+1.8 mph
60 mph62.1 mph+2.1 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.5 mph+2.5 mph
75 mph77.7 mph+2.7 mph
80 mph82.8 mph+2.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/55R16 or 215/55R16?
215/55R16 is taller by 0.87 inches (25.31" vs 24.44"). 215/55R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/55R16 with 215/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.5%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 215/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 195/55R16), your real speed is 62.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.5%.
Will 215/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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